The Bottom Line: Ford's refreshing of the Edge design
doesn't take away any of the crossover's utility or basic good looks. It's
still smooth and looks enough like a Lexus RX to save you a couple of
thousands if all you're looking for is looks.

When you first fire up the Ford Edge, well when you unlock
the doors at least, you may get the mistaken impression that you're about
to enter an Audi. there are two vertical strings of white LED lights that
serve as driving lights that look suspiciously like the ones used to
differentiate among Audi models.

But this is a Ford Edge, not an Audi, and you
know it as soon as you get inside and see the blue oval staring at you. As
such, it's a well-designed crossover that combines the utility of a SUV and
the comfort of a sedan (at least as well as is possible in a larger body).
Physically, the Edge resembles the Lexus RX more than it does any of the
other Ford models, although there is a Lincoln clone.

Our tester carried a Tuxedo black metallic paint job that
enamored our grandchildren. They loved the sparkles. They also liked the
room they had in the back seat. I liked the ability to find the seat belt
receivers when the booster seats are installed. A lot of the cars we drive
have restrictive leg room for children in booster seats whose legs don't
drop vertically but extend horizontally from the seat.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood offered good
power, moving the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. In
addition, the handling was decent. The Edge's aspect ratio isn't as drastic
as some SUVs, so that doesn't play into the handling by making it
top-heavy. On the road, the Edge has very good manners and offers good ride
quality.

A feature we've seen in some Ford vehicles lately is a
speedometer with zero at the bottom. this places 55-60 mph at the 9 o'clock
point, rather than at 12 o'clock, as it is in most other cars. I found this
difficult to adjust to, but when I got the second car in two weeks, I
learned how to read it.

Other than the speedometer, the instruments are clear.

Our tester was equipped with Ford Touch and Sync and I
can't learn how to use either of these without an extensive session with
the owner's manual. Tuning the sound system and adjusting the HVAC are
projects that shouldn't be.

The front seats are comfortable with decent side support,
although this isn't as necessary as it would be in a car with sportier
handling. The flat rear seats have good leg room and head room for adults.
there's even a flat floor for the center passenger. The rear seat backs
power down and up to increase cargo capacity, and that grows from a
more-than-decent 52.2 cubic feet to 68.9 cubic feet.

Visibility is good all around, and the back-up camera has
a clear screen.

Two features I love are BLIS and capless fuel fillers.
BLIS is a blind spot monitoring system that uses TV cameras to alert you,
via a warning light in the exterior rear view mirrors, that there are
vehicles in your left or right blind spots. I don't know how many accidents
have been saved by these, just on cars I'm driving, but they're a good
number.

Capless fuel filling eliminates the gas cap. All you
have to do it open the cover and insert the gas nozzle to fill. Since I
have lost a few filler caps in my day, I appreciate any opportunity to look
less like a fool.

Overall, the Ford Edge is a practical CUV, with all the
goodies necessary and a few that aren't necessary but are nice to have,.

Style and technology – the hallmarks of Ford Edge since it took
the midsize crossover segment by storm starting in 2006 – come
together in an all-new way, offering customers even more of what they love
for the 2011 model year.

“Customers told us how much they like Edge’s design and
dynamic driving quality,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of
The Americas. “We listened and made sure the new 2011 Edge delivers
that and more – including fuel economy leadership, unexpected levels
of quietness, a strong new design with quality materials, and MyFord Touch
driver connect technology that will change how people interact with their
vehicles.”

Customers made the Ford Edge the No. 1-selling vehicle in its segment in
its first full year on the market, and 400,000 have been sold since its
launch in late 2006. The 2011 Ford Edge now aims to redefine the segment
with a wide-ranging scope of improvements.

“The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford has become more
than just a few design and interior tweaks,” explains Elaine Bannon,
chief engineer. “We have taken every element of the Edge and
completely reworked it, including three new powertrains, two new
transmissions, a bold new exterior design and a completely new interior. If
you add in our industry-exclusive MyFord Touch system, you have a vehicle
that will continue to stand out above all the competition on the
road.”

Click PLAY to watch the Ford Edge Sport promo video

Improved power and fuel economy leadership

In addition to delivering customer-focused technology, the new Edge
also showcases Ford’s impressive drive to bring new powertrain
options to the customer. Both the Edge 3.5-liter V6 and Edge Sport
3.7-liter V6 use advanced engine valvetrain technology (twin independent
variable camshaft timing, or Ti-VCT) and clever control strategies to
increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels versus other
standard V6 entries. The 3.5-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower and 253
lb.-ft. of torque while the 3.7-liter V6 delivers 305 horsepower and 280
lb.-ft. of torque.

With this best-in-class power, 2011 Edge delivers unsurpassed fuel
economy of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (3.5-liter V6 FWD, SEL and
Limited). This means the new 3.5-liter V6 with Ti-VCT in the 2011 Edge
delivers highway fuel economy that is 15 percent better than the Nissan
Murano and with 20 more horsepower.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The SelectShift
Automatic™ transmission is standard on the 2011 Edge SEL and Limited
series, with class-exclusive paddle activation of the SelectShift standard
on the 2011 Edge Sport.

In addition, the arrival of the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 engine
in the months ahead will give Edge customers still more choice and will
deliver class-leading fuel economy with impressive power and torque. Fuel
economy benefits are projected to be at least 10 percent better than a
comparable V6 but with class-leading power and torque for an I-4.

A more connected driving experience
New 18-inch tires, standard on the Edge SEL and Edge Limited, and new
wheels that are one-half inch wider than the outgoing product provide a
more engaging steering feel. Twenty-inch tires with new wider wheels are
optional on the Edge Limited while the Edge Sport has class-exclusive
22-inch wheels standard.

Complementing the new tire and wheel lineup is a retuned suspension.
Shocks, springs and stabilizer bars were adjusted to tighten handling. The
shocks now feature a high-flow piston, which allows engineers to tune for
both road loads and driving dynamics, without compromising ride for
handling or vice versa. The result is a flatter response through turns and
over hills while still providing a comfortable ride.

Adaptive cruise control allows the driver to set the vehicle’s
speed, using advanced radar technology to monitor traffic ahead and scan
for slower vehicles.

The system slows the vehicle to adapt for traffic conditions and
maintain the preset distance between vehicles. Once traffic clears, the set
speed returns. Gap distance settings can be customized from four
predetermined options.

Collision warning with brake support uses radar to detect moving
vehicles ahead and warns the driver of danger with an audible alarm and
warning light. The system also automatically pre-charges brakes and engages
an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly.

New subframe mounts enhance driveability, help reduce road
noise
The original Edge set numerous benchmarks in overall quietness, and that
tradition continues on the 2011 model. Both the front and rear subframe
mounts have been upgraded, adding to the increased tuneability of the
suspension and improving NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).

The larger rear subframe bushing’s rubber volume is five times
larger compared with the outgoing bushing, improving the isolation between
the subframe and the body, which in turn helps decrease road noise.

Both road noise and wind noise are significantly decreased in the 2011
Edge because of improvements found throughout the interior and exterior,
including powertrain. Here’s a look at some of the upgrades:

Sound pack and acoustic glass: A more absorptive
sound pack is found throughout the interior, which reduces high-frequency
noise more effectively than material that acts merely as a barrier. The
result is an improved articulation index, which measures how easy it is to
hear and understand someone in the vehicle. The 2011 Edge also features an
acoustic headliner, and the microphone for the SYNC® system has been
relocated so it is closer to the driver for improved voice recognition. The
windshield also is thicker and now acoustic-laminated on all Edge models.
Finally, baked-on expandable foam baffles in the fenders and D-pillars help
seal out unwanted road noise.

Powertrain NVH improvements: Three main upgrades
contribute to a quieter 2011 Edge from a powertrain NVH perspective. One is
the more robust engine cover. The intake and exhaust systems have been
completely retuned for a crisper note corresponding to Ford powertrain DNA.
Finally, a “tighter” torque converter reduces engine rpm on
launch and tip-in events, reducing engine noise.

Aerodynamic improvements: Both the lowered front
fascia and new underbody shields contribute to decreased wind noise.

Bold, flowing design makes Edge the can’t-miss
crossover
The bolder, more seamlessly flowing exterior design freshening is mirrored
by a complementary interior, characterized by increased craftsmanship,
improved materials and overall better execution. Improved fit-and-finish,
softer touchpoints, and flexibility in terms of stowage in the cabin and
throughout mark the 2011 Ford Edge.

“To me, craftsmanship isn’t just fit-and-finish,” said
Bannon. “It’s also the layout and the ergonomic experience.
It’s where we put the material – the stitching, the cutlines
– and all the attention to detail to give the customer a great
experience.”

Increased presence is announced through a bolder grille and chin
spoiler. The A-pillar flows into the hood, which adds subtle undulations to
create a heightened sculptural quality. The wrapping lines emphasize both
the front end and the new wheel lineup.

2011 Edge Sport adds more power, distinctive look
The 2011 Edge Sport is powered by a 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine that
produces 305 horsepower and is the same as the one in the 2011 Ford
Mustang. The 2011 Edge Sport includes all of the content found on Edge SEL
as well as a specially tuned suspension, paddle shift transmission and its
own unique style.

Unique to the 2011 Ford Edge Sport is that the paddle shift activation
is “live in drive,” which means the customer doesn’t have
to shift to “M” or manual mode. Instead, while in Drive, the
driver can pull the “+” paddle on the right side of the
steering wheel or “-” paddle on the left side of the steering
wheel to shift up or down gears.

“The 2011 Ford Edge Sport, with its exceptional powertrain,
specially tuned suspension and unique style, offers a driving experience
not seen in other crossovers, and really appeals to the driving
enthusiast,” said Bannon. “Like the rest of the 2011 Ford Edge
lineup, it perfectly blends technology and style.”

MyFord Touch ushers in new era of interaction
Industry-first MyFord Touch driver connect technology powered by SYNC®
provides a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car
technologies and their digital lives. It replaces traditional vehicle
buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way
controls like those found on cell phones and MP3 players. It also uses
intuitive voice commands.

Standard on the 2011 Edge Limited and 2011 Edge Sport, the MyFord Touch
system displays information using two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens
flanking an analog speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of
the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel
crossbar controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument
panel screens. The screens can be personalized to display information
relevant to each individual driver.

The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very
compact area, right where the driver’s hand falls as he or she grabs
the wheel. The five-way buttons feel familiar to anyone who has used a
mobile phone or MP3 player.

Like the song? You can tag it
Also new on the 2011 Ford Edge is the world’s first use of iTunes®
Tagging in an available factory-installed HD Radio™ receiver. iTunes
Tagging provides customers with the ability to “capture” a song
they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase from iTunes. With a
simple push of a “TAG” button on the MyFord touch-screen
display, the song information will be stored in the radio’s
memory.

Once a song is tagged and customers dock their iPod to the SYNC system,
the tagged song information will transfer to that iPod. Up to 100 tags on
SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When the iPod is then
synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. Customers then
can preview, and if they desire, purchase and download tagged songs from
the iTunes Store.

One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality
of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission
– FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like today’s FM broadcasts.
Unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren’t susceptible to
interference, fadeout and other issues.

Adaptive cruise control allows the driver to set
the vehicle’s cruising speed, using advanced radar technology to
monitor traffic ahead and scan for slower vehicles. The system slows the
vehicle to adapt for traffic conditions and to maintain the preset distance
between vehicles. Once traffic clears, the set speed returns. Gap distance
settings can be customized from four predetermined options.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic
alert is a feature that can help detect vehicles in blind spots
during normal driving and traffic approaching from the sides when reversing
out of parking spots.

MyKey is designed to allow parents to encourage
teenagers to drive safely and more fuel efficiently, and increase seat belt
usage. The standard MyKey feature allows owners to designate keys that can
limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume.

Easy Fuel(capless fuel
filler) is a standard Ford-exclusive feature that uses an
integrated spring-loaded flapper door to eliminate the need for a fuel tank
screw cap.

“You can jump in the 2011 Ford Edge and bring your technology
– your lifestyle – with you and have everything at your
fingertips,” said Bannon. “The 2011 Ford Edge gives you all the
capability and flexibility you want along with great style.”

The 2011 Ford Edge will be built at Oakville Assembly Complex in
Ontario, Canada, and will be available in dealers later this summer.

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